Aramis Ramirez returns to lineup, Elian Herrera optioned to Nashville

As expected, Aramis Ramirez is back in the Brewers lineup today after being activated off of the DL following last night's game. He will bat fifth today and play as the designated hitter to help ease him back into full game action. Here is the full starting lineup for today:

SS Jean Segura
RF Ryan Braun
C Jonathan Lucroy
CF Carlos Gomez
DH Aramis Ramirez
2B Rickie Weeks
3B Mark Reynolds
1B Lyle Overbay
LF Logan Schafer
RHP Marco Estrada

The biggest question we had was also answered in this lineup. Instead of returning to his traditional spot batting #4, Ramirez was placed at #5 so the Brewers could keep their top four intact. Ryan Braun is back in the #2 spot and Jonathan Lucroy is batting at #3 again following a day off. This is the first time since July 30, 2012 that Ramirez will bat somewhere other than fourth in the starting lineup (he batted third 3 times in 2012), and his first time batting fifth since June 12, 2011 with the Cubs.

Rickie Weeks also gets the start today, though the Twins are starting a right-handed pitcher in Ricky Nolasco. This is only Weeks' second start of the season against a RHP. His other 14 starts have all come when the Brewers faced a left-handed starter. It helps that Rickie Weeks has done well in his career against Nolasco, posting a .476/.500/.857 line in 22 plate appearances.

Logan Schafer also gets the start today, his first start since May 23. Khris Davis gets the day off, his first day off since May 21.

To clear room on the active roster for Ramriez, Elian Herrera was optioned back to Nashville. Herrera hadn't done much in his second stint, making only 3 starts and posting a .231/.231/.308 in 26 plate appearances with 14 strikeouts. Irving Falu remains on the roster for now to provide a backup at shortstop for the Brewers.

First pitch tonight is at 7:10 pm.